The African Democratic Congress has experienced internal disagreement over reports that its South-South leadership endorsed former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. Reports emerged after a zonal meeting held in Benin City, Edo State.
The meeting of South-South ADC leaders was held on February 27, 2026, at the residence of former Edo State Governor and party chieftain Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The gathering brought together senior party stakeholders from the South-South geopolitical zone.
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi attended the meeting and formally informed South-South leaders of his intention to seek the ADC’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.
National Vice Chairman of the ADC (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, issued a statement saying that the forum deliberated on Amaechi’s presidential ambition and that a voice vote taken during the meeting indicated a show of support for the former minister.
Usani described the affirmative “Aye” responses as a pledge to back Amaechi’s bid, while emphasising this did not compel individual members’ actions.
However, other leaders of the South-South zonal leadership issued a contradictory statement, saying that no endorsement took place.
The South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, said no motion was moved, no resolution was adopted, and no vote was conducted in support of any aspirant during the meeting.
She described reports claiming endorsement as misleading and said the gathering was focused on internal cohesion and mobilisation ahead of future elections.
Oboh reiterated that formally informing regional leaders of an intention to seek a political office should not be mistaken for an endorsement and that the party’s recognised organs and membership ultimately determine candidate nominations. She said leaders remained committed to due process and internal democracy.
Members of the Obidient Movement, who support former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s political engagement, also said Amaechi was not endorsed by the South-South zone, noting differing interpretations of the meeting’s outcome.
The disagreement among ADC leaders highlights differing interpretations of procedural events within the party’s South-South forum. The conflicting statements may affect how the party presents its strategic direction as the 2027 general elections approach.
The matter underscores internal party dynamics in opposition parties as they navigate candidate promotion, zonal consultations and the broader nomination process for national offices.
